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1 – 5 of 5Diabetes is regarded as a global epidemic with 382 million people globally suffering from diabetes. It also has major implications on patients’ quality of life. There are also…
Abstract
Purpose
Diabetes is regarded as a global epidemic with 382 million people globally suffering from diabetes. It also has major implications on patients’ quality of life. There are also high cost of treatment associated with diabetes for both patient and healthcare provider. Telemonitoring represents an excellent technology opportunity to redefine health care delivery. Using technology for home-based care promises the ability to deliver more cost effective care whilst also enhancing quality of care and patient satisfaction. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The current research aims to contribute to the methodological design of action research projects in their use to implementation health technologies such as telemonitoring. In particular, it seeks create a model which can be used to demonstrate the efficacy of the use of the action research method as a viable alternative to the traditional randomised control trials methodology currently employed in healthcare.
Findings
The paper contributes towards the methodological design to investigate the area of practice making use of the telemonitoring programme within a Victorian Health Services Network using action research.
Originality/value
It intends to address the research problem of the low utilisation of telemonitoring within Monash Health as a whole, and more specifically within the diabetes unit. In this context the research intends to utilise the benefits of telemonitoring to improve clinical outcomes of patients by increasing insulin stabilisation. It is also intended the research organisation benefits by increased efficiency by decreasing clinical workforce time spent on managing patient insulin data.
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This research works toward identifying the service quality constructs for the telecommunication industry, the extent they affect customer satisfaction, the perceived switching…
Abstract
Purpose
This research works toward identifying the service quality constructs for the telecommunication industry, the extent they affect customer satisfaction, the perceived switching costs and their significance to the customer. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of customer satisfaction and switching barriers on customer loyalty as well as the mediating effect of the switching barriers on the customer satisfaction and loyalty link.
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical causal framework was developed and tested through qualitative and quantitative phases. In-depth interviews were performed with consumers and experts in the field as well a survey with consumers. The results were analyzed using Cronbach’s α, Pearson’s correlation and regression analysis techniques.
Findings
The results of the research showed that network quality, customer support and pricing structure are the main service quality constructs that affects the customer satisfaction, showing how the customer is more interested in the core services other than other benefits and value-added services.
Originality/value
The research presents a comprehensive framework enabling mobile service providers to understand the factors affecting consumer loyalty. In terms of practical implication; the telecommunications sector is changing radically and as the market is approaching its maturity, customer retention has become a critical issue in the success of the mobile telecommunications business. The findings of the research can aid practitioners in firms in focussing their efforts on areas that can build consumer loyalty and retention.
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Ingy Shafei, Jan Walburg and Ahmed Taher
The purpose of this paper is to determine the best measure among several alternatives (SERVQUAL, weighted SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, weighted SERVPERF) and develop a scale which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to determine the best measure among several alternatives (SERVQUAL, weighted SERVQUAL, SERVPERF, weighted SERVPERF) and develop a scale which healthcare providers can use for measurement of healthcare service quality.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involved two phases. The first phase was through a series of in-depth interviews with experts and patients followed by a pilot study. Subsequently, the second phase involved a quantitative phase through surveys with 384 patients. Alternative measures were analyzed using coefficient (Cronbach) α, composite reliability, factor analysis and logistic regression analysis.
Findings
Findings confirmed “Weighted SERVPERF” using an interactive methodology as the most appropriate for measurement of healthcare service quality.
Originality/value
Using the model and scale developed, healthcare providers will be able to measure healthcare service quality and identify areas of shortfall and act accordingly to improve delivery through allocating resources in service areas that would generate the greatest returns in customer satisfaction. Enhancing satisfaction will ultimately generate patient loyalty and positive recommendation behavior.
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Ingy Shafei, Jan Auke Walburg and Ahmed F. Taher
– This paper aims to develop a model that encompasses the constructs and sub-constructs consumers use in evaluating healthcare service quality (HSQ) in Egypt.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a model that encompasses the constructs and sub-constructs consumers use in evaluating healthcare service quality (HSQ) in Egypt.
Design/methodology/approach
Factor analysis was performed on 40 variables to identify the constructs. Ordinal logistic regression was also used to identify the sub-constructs and examine the effect of each sub-construct on patients’ overall perception of service quality.
Findings
Factor analysis confirmed an eight-construct framework: hospital premises and employees; doctor medical service; nursing medical service; diagnostic medical service; admission; discharge; rooms and housekeeping; and meals. Ordinal logistic regression established 17 sub-constructs – physician reliability; physician assurance; physician interaction; physician’s competence; nursing tangibles; nursing reliability; nursing assurance; nursing interaction; nursing responsiveness; diagnostic service competence; diagnostic service reliability; hospital premises and employees tangibles; admission responsiveness; admission knowledge and courtesy; meals tangibles; rooms tangibles and housekeeping courtesy; and discharge knowledge and courtesy – that have significant effect on HSQ. Some sub-constructs had a significantly greater impact on overall perception of service quality than others.
Practical implications
Healthcare providers will be able to pinpoint areas of service quality shortfall and better satisfy their patients. This will ultimately lead to repeat patronage and positive recommendation behavior.
Originality/value
The model is the first comprehensive model in the Middle East that takes into account all constructs and sub-constructs patients use for evaluation of HSQ.
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